In the streets of Limpopo, young children wander with the hope of getting something to eat before returning to a “home” that only has intermittent access to water and sanitation. Meanwhile, on Monday, 27th November 2023, during an official ceremony in Polokwane,f distributed 57 brand-new vehicles to traditional leaders, as if they were candy.
These vehicles will cost taxpayers a little over R30 million for the 2023/2024 financial year. In an interview, the premier also confirmed that this is not the end of the wasteful spending of taxpayers’ money. Traditional leaders will be further pampered with offices that will cost R25 million to establish and maintain, plus an additional R5 million for equipping them.
The Limpopo province has approximately 6.4 million people, with unemployment reaching nearly the 50% mark. More importantly, there is a shortage of essential services such as healthcare. Loadshedding causes clinics to have electricity only occasionally, while generators could alleviate people’s emergencies if the government so pleased. Schools are in a precarious position with dangerous, unhygienic pit toilets still in use everywhere.
Traditional leadership is an important part of many communities, and recognition should indeed be given for the contribution they make. They already receive annual compensation of up to R1,315,429 for a king or queen from the state.
“The millions recently spent on traditional leadership is once again evidence that the ruling party is in a very vulnerable position with the upcoming election. Bribery money and vehicles are openly distributed in the sight of the declining economy and struggling communities,” says Erika Helm, Chairperson of the Local Government Committee at TLU SA.
The question can be asked how far the ruling party will abuse its influence from leadership positions to maintain voters and influencers’ thinking in the upcoming election?
“Citizens have a responsibility to the country and its people to make the right decision,” Helm believes. “TLU SA is of the opinion that this action by the Limpopo government is once again evidence that the current leaders do not have the people’s interests at heart. They only want to remain in leadership positions to squander taxpayers’ hard-earned money.”
It is now in the hands of the voters to put an end to poor leadership and save the country from total decay.
Photo: Dylan McLeod | Unsplash
